Windows Defender is not enabled after uninstalling Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1

Products

• Endpoint Protection

Issue/Introduction

In some cases, after uninstalling Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 (SEP), Windows Defender may not be enabled as expected.

Cause

Windows Defender is not properly restored to the state it was in before SEP was installed.

Resolution

Windows Defender must be manually enabled. To enable Windows Defender, open the Windows Action Center and enable Windows Defender.

 

How to enable Windows Defender for Windows 7:

- Click Start

- Click Control Panel > System and Security > Action Center

- Next to Windows Defender is turned off, click Turn on now

- Close the Action Center window

 

How to enable Windows Defender for Windows 8:

- Click Start (or press the Start button on the keyboard)

- Type the following: Action Center

- Click Settings (top-right of screen)

- Click Action Center (left of screen)

- Next to Windows Defender is turned off, click Turn on now

- Close the Action Center window